For 2024, VLMG is again top ranked by Chambers and Partners in Construction, Nationwide, as well as in Virginia and California.

To identify and rank the world’s best lawyers and law firms, Chambers and Partners, a UK-based research and publishing group, employs a team of more than 200 full-time researchers to conduct an in-depth assessment of recent work and extensive interviews. Congratulations to Paul Varela, Bennett Lee, Todd Metz, Joseph Guarino, Christopher Burke, Brian Dugdale, David Wonderlick, and Nicholas Merrell whom Chambers recognized for their individual achievements.  

As described by Chambers:

USA NATIONWIDE - Construction

What the team is known for Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino is a well-respected boutique comprised of construction law specialists on both coasts. Handles sensitive and substantial cases for many of the country's top industry players. Specializes in industrial and power sector projects with engineering, procurement and construction contractors and developers. Increasingly active in international construction projects and arbitrations, and has significant experience in government contract disputes. Particularly skilled in cross-border and multi-jurisdictional matters.

Work highlights Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino represented Parsons Transportation Group in a breach of contract claim brought by its primary subcontractor in connection with a 12-year project for the development of a statutorily mandated train control system and all related facilities for New Jersey Transit.

Notable practitioners Paul Varela is a key contact in Virginia.

VIRGINIA - Construction

What the team is known for Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino is a boutique construction firm with an impressive international client base. It boasts a deep bench of highly experienced construction law specialists handling a wide variety of contentious and non-contentious mandates. It regularly advises clients on high-value dispute resolution proceedings domestically and internationally. The team is noted for its expertise in the power and industrial sectors and also involved in the construction of a number of high-end rail, highway and airport developments. 

Strengths Clients say: "VLMG has one of the strongest groups of construction attorneys in the country. Their knowledge in the international construction arbitration arena is quite extensive and they are a go-to firm for international construction disputes." "The team are excellent, extremely knowledgeable, well organized and proactive in their approach." "The firm have strong team members with a good breadth of experience and a deep understanding."

Work highlights Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino represented Parsons Transportation Group in a breach of contract claim brought by its primary subcontractor in connection with a 12-year project for the development of a statutorily mandated train control system and all related facilities for New Jersey Transit.

Notable practitioners:

Ranked in Band 1, Paul Varela maintains an excellent reputation as a leading construction practitioner with broad experience in both contentious and noncontentious matters relating to large commercial development and infrastructure projects. "He is excellent at handling client relationships."

Ranked in Band 1, Todd Metz focuses his practice on disputes, with experience in arbitration proceedings as well as litigation relating to major domestic and international construction projects. "Todd is extremely responsive."

Ranked in Band 2, Joseph Guarino primarily handles dispute resolution in the construction sector, including major claims relating to the development of energy facilities, hotel complexes and commercial buildings. 

Ranked in Band 2, Christopher Burke is noted for his expertise in complex construction disputes, advising on litigation as well as arbitration proceedings. He has particular experience in matters relating to the construction of power plants and public infrastructure. "Christopher is very experienced."

Ranked in Band 4, Brian Dugdale advises on a wide array of construction matters, including contract negotiation, joint venture formation and dispute resolution. "He is an excellent lawyer. He is astute in both contract negotiation and litigation. He is responsive and thorough." "Brian is extremely sharp and knowledgeable about Virginia law."

Ranked in Band 4, David Wonderlick is an expert construction practitioner who concentrates his practice on the representation of clients in construction and engineering disputes. "David is very experienced." "He is a great lawyer and very well prepared."

CALIFORNIA - Construction

What the team is known for Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino is home to an experienced team with a large presence in Northern California. The group handles the full gamut of construction law matters, from contract drafting to project management and dispute resolution. It has a particular focus on public work projects, often acting for state, federal and local governments. The firm also acts for major energy, transportation and engineering corporations.

Strengths Impressed clients say: "Varela, Lee, Metz & Guarino has an exceptional team of construction lawyers." "They have a deep knowledge of the industry." "They definitely know what's happening in the industry."

Work highlights VLMG represented HDR Engineering in a breach of contract and professional negligence suit regarding the replacement of four timber trestle bridges over the Los Penasquitos Lagoon in San Diego.

Notable practitioners:

Ranked in Band 1, Bennett Lee advises his clients on the full gamut of matters relating to construction contracts. He is also regularly called upon to act as an arbitrator in complex construction disputes. "I would trust Bennett with major construction litigations. He keeps his eye on the ball and immediately understands all the issues. A top-tier litigator.” “Bennett is outstanding. He is an expert in the construction field." Bennett is a tremendous lawyer. A hard fighter." "Bennett Lee is an excellent trial attorney."

Ranked in Band 5, Nicholas Merrell focuses his practice on construction disputes and federal government contracts. He represents general contractors, owners, designers and sureties on a variety of disputes. "He is incredibly thorough and effective at advocating for his clients." "He is a good lawyer."